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Barb Schmidt Launches New Book

May 07th 2014

May 13 next week marks a big day for Boca philanthropist and activist Barb Schmidt. That is the day her new book, “The Practice,” published through HCI Books, will launch at an invitation-only event at Lynn University.

Schmidt has long been known for her studies and programs in mindfulness; she launched FAU’s Peace Studies Program in 2001 “to promote dialogue in the greater community on the topic of inner peace.” And five years later, she established Peaceful Mind Peaceful World, a community outreach program designed to further the principles of the peace studies program. Along the way she has brought revered speakers to our community, including His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Dr. Jane Goodall.

“The Practice” is based on the notion that “making subtle shifts in the day will improve inner happiness, creating a positive ripple effect on all areas of life,” and the book is divided into three sections: Waking Up, Living Present, and Letting Go, composed of “practical tools that can be used throughout the day to help cultivate a peaceful mind so that readers can live their best lives filled with happiness, love, mindfulness, and purpose—the magnificent life that we are all meant to live.”

That might sound a little woo-woo to some people, but Schmidt is anything but; she’s made her own way through life on her own terms through hard work; she started by owning one, then more than one, McDonald’s franchises; she went on to found the Spirit of Giving Network, and co-founded and served as President of the Ronald McDonald Children’s Charities of South Florida, raising millions of dollars in proceeds.

South Florida is full of people who make a bundle, check out, and spend the remainder of their lives somewhere between the golf course and the plastic surgeon. Others give back. Still others, like Barb Schmidt, start the real work they were meant to do—making the kind of spiritual changes that are way tougher than making money.

So we are pleased to salute her on her new book, and look forward to seeing what she has to say. I, for one, think she is well worth listening to.

“The Practice” is available wherever books are sold or to order directly from the publisher, contact: hcibooks.com or 800/441-5569. All net proceeds from the book's sales will go toward furthering the mission of Peaceful Mind Peaceful Life.